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Small-town city clerk gets probation for $60K embezzlement

WICHITA — The former city clerk of a tiny southeast Kansas community was spared prison but ordered to repay the almost $60,000 she embezzled from her town and church.

Sixty-seven-year-old Diana Cox, of Havana, told the court she was ashamed and apologized before U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten handed down a sentence for two years of supervised release. Marten cited her age and lack of criminal history.

Cox pleaded guilty in January to one count each of bank fraud and wire fraud.

She admitted stealing about $14,700 from the town of Havana, which has a population of just over 100. She also admitted stealing nearly $45,000 from Cross Point Baptist Church in Caney, where she served as treasurer.